VIK 2021 Review

Takeaway

A beautifully elegant and layered Cabernet Franc driven red that feels smooth, lifted, and carefully built, showing exactly why it earned perfect scores.

First Thought

This week’s wine was a rare treat. Daley Brennan from VIK Wines joined the show and sent the hosts the VIK 2021, the flagship bottle that recently earned two separate one hundred point scores. Before tasting, Daley walked everyone through the evolution of the blend, how it shifted from a mix of several varieties into a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant wine, and then into its current form, a bold and confident Cabernet Franc first expression with about seventy seven percent Cabernet Franc and twenty three percent Cabernet Sauvignon. That twist alone had the hosts excited, but the story behind the winery added even more anticipation. With barrels built on site, a team borrowing techniques from Bordeaux, and a clear vision for refinement over more than a decade, the table was set for something special long before the first pour.

Tasting NOtes

The first swirl brought a clean sense of elegance. Colin immediately zeroed in on that word, and the rest of the group agreed. The aromas carried dark fruit, earthiness from the Cabernet Franc, and oak that was integrated instead of overwhelming. Blackberry, dark plum, and dark cherry showed up clearly, and the oak supported the fruit instead of sitting on top of it. Earthiness added depth without becoming heavy.

On the palate the wine delivered structure with a calm hand. The tannins were firm but gentle. The acidity gave the wine that subtle lift, making the wine feel both bold and smooth at the same time. Despite sitting at fourteen point five percent alcohol, there was no burn, no weighty heat, just balance. Black currant appeared with a clarity the hosts rarely find, and every sip revealed a new layer. The more time the wine opened, the more complex it became, showing freshness, richness, and polish all at once.

Quick Tasting Notes

• Blackberry
• Dark plum
• Dark cherry
• Black currant
• Earthiness
• Smooth oak

Highlights

Why It Is Special
The 2021 flips the winery’s long running blend, shining a spotlight on Cabernet Franc. That shift created a wine with more elegance, softness, and lift compared to the more muscular, Cabernet Sauvignon heavy vintages before it. It also happens to be the blend that unlocked perfect scores from two critics.

When to Pour It
This is not a Tuesday night bottle. It is a celebration wine, a gift bottle, or the kind of pour you open when you want the night to feel memorable. The complexity and structure reward slow sipping and long conversations.

Decanting Tip
The hosts opened their bottles around an hour before drinking, but Daley noted that he often opens this wine many hours ahead for an even stronger showing. Longer decanting lets the structure stretch out and bring forward even more depth. Serving at cellar temperature also keeps the balance intact.

Final Verdict

Colin: Wine Fridge Wine. He called it the best wine they have tried on the show. The balance, the elegance, the Cabernet Franc character, and the clarity of the flavors made it a standout. He would happily pay full price again and immediately swapped out a wine from his fridge to make room for this one.

Aaron: A Must Share. For him, the wine is extraordinary but sits in the special occasion category rather than something he would store for casual weeknight drinking. The experience, the balance, and the structure made it unforgettable, and he left the conversation wanting to explore the whole VIK lineup.

Joel: Wine Fridge Wine. One sip was all it took for him to replace a long standing favorite in his fridge. He called the wine approachable yet complex, lifted, and the most enjoyable bottle he has had on the show in a very long time. It impressed him immediately and never stopped.

Group Consensus
A stunning bottle and one of the best wines ever opened on the podcast. A true benchmark for balance, complexity, and Cabernet Franc driven power.

And as always Stop Wasting Your Wine!